Microbiology (MIC)

Website: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/microbiology

Faculty: https://icahn.mssm.edu/education/phd/biomedical-sciences/microbiology/faculty

Description

The Microbiology MTA is focused on studying the interaction of viruses and their hosts, and the host factors that may determine susceptibility to infections. We study viruses, such as influenza virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), Ebola and Marburg viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV), Zika virus (ZIKV) as well as genetics/epigenetics of viral infections and other topics related to microbial pathogenesis and viral immunology. Studies are directed at understanding how the innate immune system of the infected host is counteracted by components of these viruses and how the innate immune systems, such as the interferon signaling system, work on a molecular level. Microbiology researchers use this knowledge to develop new vaccines against these viruses and identify small molecular weight compounds for use as antivirals. This is a great training area for those who would like to obtain a Master’s degree or PhD in the field of Virology.